By Dr. Laurie Noaker, DVM, DACVIM

As the dog days of summer approach, those of us working in the emergency room are gearing up to treat dogs that are suffering from heat stroke. It is a well known fact that animals and children should not be left alone in a hot car, even with the windows down. The temperatures can easily reach above 110° F in a matter of minutes. However, most people do not know that a dog can develop heat stroke from a slow walk outside in the heat of the day. It is even more dangerous to take your dog jogging with you. Furthermore, dogs can develop third degree burns on their foot pads if the concrete or asphalt is hot. Dogs can even get heat stroke from being in a shaded back yard, especially if there is no water available.

Dogs are prone to heat stroke because they do not sweat. They must pant to get rid of the excess heat in their bodies and if the temperature outside is the same as the body temperature, there is no heat exchange. The heat builds up in the body and the dog will die without treatment.

Over the Memorial Day holiday, one such little dog lost his life. This was so sad because heat stroke is preventable. There are no set guidelines on when it is safe to allow your pet to exercise. The amount of exposure depends upon your pet’s age, body condition, type of exercise, length of activity, and the current weather conditions. In general, humid days are worse. Dogs should not be exercised if the current temperature is greater than 90° F, but dogs can suffer a heat stroke even if the temperature is in the mid-seventies. If you are unsure, please contact your veterinarian.

A good rule of thumb: If it is too hot to be exercising an infant child, it is too hot for your pet!

Summer Safety Tips

• If you must exercise your pet, do so early  in the morning or late in the evening when it’s coolest. Walking is preferred over running.
• Wet your pet before and after exercising.  Sit him in front of a fan to cool off afterward.
• Make frequent stops to rest and to offer water.
• Never leave your pet outside in the heat  unsupervised.
• Always provide fresh, clean water and shelter. During the hottest part of the day, even this may be inadequate. It is safest to keep your pet indoors.

Signs of Heatstroke

• Panting and dry gums
• Vomiting and diarrhea
• Elevated temperature, staggering, sluggishness, seizures
• Unresponsiveness, coma, ultimately death

If you suspect that your pet is suffering from heatstroke, seek veterinary attention immediately!

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